A Long And Mighty Walk

A season is a time characterized by a particular circumstance, suitable to an indefinite period of time associated with a divine phenomenon that some call life. One of the first things I learned in this life was that it is a journey. During this passage through time I have come to realize that there are milestones, mountains, and valleys that everyone will encounter. It saddens me that African American’s have had to endure more than any other culture!

Dr. John Henrik Clarke famously said, “History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is also a compass that people use to find themselves on the map of human geography. History tells a people where they have been and what they have been, where they are and what they are. Most important, history tells a people where they still must go, what they still must be. The relationship of history to the people is the same as the relationship of a mother to her child.”

There are many ghosts of the greats who sacrificed so much for us to exist today. We would not have had our history known if it were not for the great historian Carter G. Woodson, we may not have succeeded in the civil rights movement without a strong Rosa Parks to push Dr. Martin Luther King into bring the civil rights movement to the forefront of America’s consciousness. Then came the Black power movement that was so strong and so serious that it gave even more urgency to the White House and American government to change rather than prepare for violence.

Dr. Clarke was the powerful mind that many leaders of the Black power movement would come to for his knowledge. People like Stokely Carmichael, H. Rap Brown and the most notable of the all - Malcolm X. Clarke became Malcolm X's chief consultant and best friend. His work with Malcolm resulted in one of Malcolm's greatest speeches, indeed, one of the greatest 100 speeches made in America, "The ballot or the bullet."

Dr. Clarke never wrote an autobiography but he had a huge impact his teacher and what he left the minds of his people. Clarke was born in Union Springs, Alabama on New Year’s Day, in 1915. His was a family of poor sharecroppers. But they soon moved to Columbus, Georgia when he was about four years old. There, he met a school teacher named Eveline Taylor. Clarke said Ms. Taylor told John that she saw something special in him. 

She saw a thinker. And she said to him:

"It's no disgrace to be alone. It's no disgrace to be right when everyone else thinks you are wrong. There's nothing wrong with being a thinker. Your playing days are over."

Here's a eulogy of him written by The Los Angeles Times:

John Henrik Clarke: Activist, Professor July 18,198

John Henrik Clarke never got around to writing his life story, which encompassed some of the more turbulent periods in American history.

Dr. Clarke is remembered as someone who put the forgotten history of Africa back into the textbooks, and gave an analysis of history that wasn’t mainstream and for this we honor him so dearly. This man who descended from a family of sharecroppers was born in 1915 in Union Springs, Ga. He left Georgia in 1933 going to Harlem where he became one of the greatest unsung heroes of our time.

His political and community activism began quickly, when Clarke opposed the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930s. Later, he became a close friend of black activist Malcolm X. Clarke helped to forge a link between Africans and African Americans.

Clarke studied history and literature from 1948 to 1952 at New York University and later at Columbia University. During his career, Clarke edited or wrote 27 books. His editing work included the classic “American Negro Short Stories” in 1966. I just wanted to remind us of this man who brought into remembrance of our Great, Mighty Walk!

And that is my Thought Provoking Perspective…

John T. Wills

The King Of New York

"Excellence is my presence. Never tense, never hesitant." – Biggie Smalls

These are the words left to us mere mortals by the man whose government name was Christopher Wallace aka Biggie Smalls, also known as Notorious B.I.G. Gone too soon but his impact will live forever. He was born May 21, 1972, in Bedford–Stuyvesant (colloquially known as Bed-Stuy) a neighborhood in the north central portion of the New York City borough of Brooklyn where some say is city’s roughest borough. There he grew up to become a drug dealer and a hustler but his legacy was that of a master lyricist.

I have known many artists in my lifetime who have recorded and sold millions of records whereas Mr. Big recorded only three that solidified his place in music history for all-time. He started experimenting with music as a teenager and, not long after, befriended Puffy Combs and with the guidance of Tupac Shakur turned ashy into classy. His 1994 debut album, Ready to Die, was a smash hit and Life After Death became a classic.

Around his neighborhood, Biggie Smalls, as he called himself then, began building a reputation as a musician. After a tape of his landed in the hands of Mister Cee, a well-known DJ, Smalls was featured in the hip-hop publication, The Source.

Almost immediately, The Notorious B.I.G., as he now called himself, appearing on a 1993 remix of Mary J. Blige’s "Real Love," and followed it up with a second Blige remix, "What's the 411?" His debut as a solo artist came with the single, "Party and Bullshit," on the soundtrack to the film, Who's the Man? (1993).

It is my view that the release of his debut album, Ready to Die, which told the story of his life, from drug dealer to rapper, was as prophetic as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”. Backed with hits like "Juicy" and "Big Poppa," the record went platinum and the young hip-hop artist became a full-fledged star. That same year, The Source named the rapper "Best New Artist," "Best Live Performer" and "Lyricist of the Year."

As his star power increased, Biggie did his best to share his prestige. He backed the work of several rappers that he'd originally performed with while starting out in Brooklyn, and took to the studio in support of other artists on Sean "Puffy" Combs's label. He also teamed up with such stars as Michael Jackson and R. Kelly. By the close of 1995, Biggie was one of music's best-selling and most sought after performers.

Big’s success and wealth hardly brought peace to Biggie's life. He was often quoted as saying,” More money more problems”. In the immediate aftermath of Ready to Die's popularity, the rapper found himself in constant fear. In 1994, he told The New York Times that he was disliked for having more money, which came with his fame.

It was after the murder of Tupac Shakur that amplified Biggie's fears about his own life, and his concern was tragically validated on March 9, 1997. Biggie, who had just come out of the Soul Train Music Awards, was sitting in an SUV when another vehicle pulled up to his car, opened fire and killed him. His murder shook the music world, prompting fears that the hip-hop world might erupt into a full-fledged war, ending numerous other lives. Biggie was only 24 years old at the time.

In the wake of Big's killing, the record Life After Death was a giant hit, selling nearly 700,000 copies in its first week. Two years later, Born Again, an album of unreleased material from Biggie, was released. A third album of extra material, Duets: The Final Chapter, was released in 2005.

Today, Biggie is still one of the music industry's most admired hip-hop artists. Several musicians have paid tribute to Biggie by mentioning him in their songs, and his musical style has been emulated by countless up-and-coming artists. There is no doubt that Big's talent as a writer and rapper who rose from where so many are lost will continue to be acknowledged for decades to come.

If Big's was alive today, there would be so many so-called rapper starving and unheard of. Knowing it or not, or call it destiny the Notorious B.I.G. proved there is Life After Death and it’s called forever. And that’s my thought provoking perspective…

Descendants Of Africa

The so-called Negro that was created has had only one desire since being removed from Africa and that was to obtain equality. African Americans simply asked America to honor the promise of freedom that it claims comes with liberty.

I’ll quote Dr. King who said, “We were given a blank check” and we would like to cash it – paid in full. Let’s be very clear, people of African descent are the only immigrates to come to this country against their will - then to be forced into a life of bondage was then and is now amoral.

It is also worth mentioning, for the record, that “A Negro” was created by the wretched souls who arrived in America to lay claim to land that wasn’t even theirs. When I say, created I mean there was no such culture or nationality anywhere on earth before Europeans took the captives from Africa and brought them to America. The result was creating a nation of people placed in a strange land to live without a nationality. This was done specifically through the constitution and legislative laws sanctioned by the government.

From the very beginning the Africans resisted their captivity and bondage which was to include during the ungodly trip across the Atlantic that history calls the Mid-Passage. Once the captives arrived on land, be it in America or the Caribbean, there was rebellion. There were many movements to obtain the promise of freedom like the Abolitionist Movement and Civil Rights Movements in varying forms. Not to mention, the many-many great leader born to affect change but killed by the wretched system of slavery and segregation. I won’t say they all failed but I will say they did not succeed because equal treatment, particularly under the law, and freedom is still absent today.

Many African Americans continue to suffer from the untreated wounds of America’s forefathers and their asymptomatic behaviors. These behaviors were never unlearned and have been passed down from generation to generation. Over my relatively short lifetime, I have been referred to as Colored, Negro, Afro-American, Black, and an African American, which were all polite terms assigned to make known that people of African descent were not American citizens.

This legacy of dependency, apathy, and entrenchment of the American social order from the beginning provides clear evidence of those with a diabolical intent to bankrupt the souls of a people based on an ideology of supremacy. These stolen souls that exist today are people who bear the burden of a system that perpetrated, in the name of God, the greatest crime known to man.

The concept of African Americans being slaves, physically or mentally, is as old as the nation itself, designed to deprive a people of its culture and knowledge through sustained policies of control. To overcome these indignities we must realize that education is the single most important ingredient necessary to neutralize the forces that breed poverty and despair.

Regardless of how much we are held down, it is our responsibility to find a way to get up, even if the system is designed to protect the system. The great Bob Marley reminded us to “Stand-up – Stand-up for your rights”. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

The Day Innocence Died

This month, November, marks fifty-years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy that feel has never been realistically been solved or maybe I should say has never been honestly reported to the American people as to what really happened that day. The assassination is without question the most unexplained event in American history. Therefore, it could be said, some tales and stories are masked in the myth, while others are simply a collection of lies. This is particularly evident with regard to what we have been told concerning the assassination of President Kennedy.

For those who were too young to witness the event or only know the tale His-Story reports. The assassination of this American President was more surreal and shocking than 911, multiplied by hundreds. With respect to His-Story, we are told that a collection of men produced what became known as the Warren Report that one man was responsible for the murder that day in Dallas Texas.

However, as time has passed conspiracies are a bound, and frankly, one would be hard pressed to find many, if any, who believe the official account; particularly after Oliver Stone’s movie “JFK”. When considering the information released by the government and the movie with an open mind, it does make one wonder if what we were told is truth or a simplistic creation for a more sinister reality.

Over the next thirty days, I will post accounts and information from experts and conspiracy theorists to offer you the opportunity to form a thought provoking perspective of what happened that day when innocence died on November 22, 1963. I am reluctant to call this a celebration or anniversary, rather an examination as we look back at the event. It is not my intent; nor will I try to solve the crime, rather to share several views to consider from Youtube video exposés.

The Hoochie Coochie Man

What we know today as Rock and Roll was really the creation of a genius from the Mississippi Delta named McKinley Morganfield better known to the world as Muddy Waters. This bluesman also known as the "father of the modern Chicago Blues” has been credited for being the major inspiration behind the British blues explosion of the 1960s. Muddy’s career resulted in his being ranked No. 17 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Recent research has uncovered a 1955 interview in the Chicago Defender where he claimed 1915 as his year of birth, which he continued to use in interviews from that point onward. His grandmother is credited with giving the boy she raised the nickname "Muddy" at an early age because he loved to play in the muddy water of nearby Deer Creek. Muddy later changed it to "Muddy Waters". A testament to his monumental achievements the shack where Muddy lived in his youth on Stovall Plantation is now located at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Although Muddy started out on harmonica by age seventeen he was playing the guitar at parties, emulating two other blues artists who were extremely popular in the south, Son House and Robert Johnson. However, Muddy would go on to surpass them in stature in terms of changing the face of music.

His influence is tremendous, over a variety of music genres: blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, folk, hard rock, jazz and country. It was Muddy who helped Chuck Berry get his first record contract. The Rolling Stones named themselves after his 1950 song “Rollin Stone” and Jimi Hendrix covered one of Muddy’s songs called "Catfish Blues”. Hendrix recalled "the first guitar player I was aware of was Muddy Waters. I first heard him as a little boy and it scared me to death". 

Cream covered “Rollin and Tumblin” on their 1966 debut album Fresh Cream. Another great Eric Clapton was a big fan of Muddy Waters when he was growing up, and his music influenced Clapton's musical career. Muddy’s songs were also covered by Canned Heat at the legendary Monterey Pop Festival and later adapted by Bob Dylan on the album Modern Times. Led Zeppelin’s biggest hits, “Whole Lotta Love”, is lyrically based upon the Muddy Waters hit "You Need Love", written by Willie Dixon.

Dixon wrote some of Muddy Waters' most famous songs, including “I Just Want to Make Love to You” that became a big radio hit for Etta James as well as the 1970s rock band Forghat. One of Muddy’s biggest hits “Hoochie Coochie Man that The Allman Brothers Band famously covered was big for them and Humble Pie and Steppenwolf as well.

In 1993, Paul Rodgers released the album Muddy Water Blues: A Tribute to Muddy Waters, on which he covered a number of Muddy Waters songs, including "Louisiana Blues", "Rollin' Stone", "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "I'm Ready" that included a number of famous guitarists such as Gary Moore, Brian May and Jeff Beck.

Muddy Waters' songs have been featured in long-time fan Matin Scorsese’s movies, including The Color of Money, Goodfellas and Casino. His music was used in Better Off Dead, the hit film Risky Business, and featured in the rockumentary The Last Waltz.

The Beatles referenced Muddy in the song Come Together: "He roller coaster/he got Muddy Waters." Van Morrison lyrics include "Muddy Waters singin', "I'm a Rolling Stone" from his 1982 song "Cleaning Windows", on the Album Beautiful Vision. Honestly, I could go on and on as long as I have room to write.

What impressed me most about the great Muddy Waters was that he created what every band since has configured musically. It was Mud, as he was sometimes called, who configured his band with a base, guitar, and instruments to enhance his talents.

Although there were many greatest produced out of his era – Muddy Waters lead the way and, dare I say, was the innovator of what the world now knows as Rock ‘n’ Roll. Mud might be best known for his beautiful Cadillac’s, being a lady’s man or as having Little Walter harmonic talents as his gifted sideman. I say, he is best known for changing the world of music and music has never been the same. And that’s my thought provoking perspective.

An Admission Of Guilt

Most reasonable people realized that the Tea Party is just a reincarnation of the Confederacy and to that extent they have taken over the GOP, who are called conservatives, which in essence the same thing. Most of us know it was the Dixiecrats, who were the folks fought to keep slavery alive, morphed into the GOP. Some of this ilk has said, the Civil War was an invasion on the south because they who interpreted the Constitution correctly, which is why the succeeded.

Today these people express the same ideology as the confederates of old. Yesterday, on the Daily Show went to North Carolina to look at the effects of new voting laws where they interviewed Don Yelton who shared a candid admission that some say was breathtaking – I say true rather than depressing. This guy Yelton is on the North Carolina Republican Party Executive Committee who vigorously defended the new voting laws with racist ramblings.

The Daily Show comedian/reporter Aasif Mandvi asked him about the effects of the new laws, Mr. Yelton was forthcoming with the lack of a need for the restrictions.

“Right here in Buncombe County there’s always one of two that voted twice a year,” Yelton says. “That’s one or two out of sixty thousand” voters, he admitted.

When Mandvi pressed Yelton about the real reason for the suppressive changes to voting in the state, the GOP leader came clean.

“The law is going to kick the Democrats in the butt,”Yelton admitted.

And who is going to be affected by the law? Yelton, who had already admitted to being considered a bigot, was forthcoming with examples.

“If it hurts a bunch of lazy blacks who want the government to give them everything, so be it.”

SEE FOR YOURSELF: The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook

Don Yelton’s open admissions are both disturbing and telling as it, like Romney’s 47 percent comment, clearly illuminate the kind of denial of bigotry that exists within the hearts of these people. Of course, as is usually done for damage control the bigot has resigned but he leaves all of his like minded buddies to continue the insurgency. And that's my thought provoking perspective...

What Would Jesus Say?

Over the past week, all the buzz on social media has been about the famed gospel singer and Pastor Marvin Winans, who wouldn’t bless the baby of an unwed mother in front of the congregation of what he professes to be a church. You know they say you can tell when a church has fallen into apostasy.

Before I go further, did Jesus not bless the sick, cripple, crazy, murderous, lame, prostitutes and adulterous. I’ll answer that! It would be a yes. In fact, it is written in all of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). So the question then becomes who made this guy God? I am going to take the position that the church is a place for a sinner to be redeemed. Isn’t that the whole foundation of the CHRISTIAN principle - salvation?

LAW AND ORDER THEME! 

As you know every good Christian believes they have the power to damn you to hell. I guess the comment of damnation will come my way. So I will start by saying Negro Please! Let me first say “there is a lot of money in the name Jesus and most Christians I know use the word God to impress rather than practice their faith. My spiritual belief is that one finds God in your heart and heaven in your soul.

There are historical facts to consider when it comes to the literal interpretation of Christianity or for that matter the Bible. First, there was no word "GOD" in any African language before the appearance of Europeans! Second, not one single word was written about Jesus while he walked the earth. Last point here: only two writers of the New Testament knew Jesus and they are not sure of that. Let alone, the first book was written about a hundred years after his death and the rest about two hundred years later.

Now, this is where the plot thickens; it was the Roman oppressors who fashioned what we now know as Christianity, ordered by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 325 AD, at the Conference of Nasia. It was then left to the Bishops and Catholics to administer God’s law according to the will of the earthly powers. From that time, the good book has had twenty-eight versions with the latest by the diabolical King James, who made it clear that this is his versions of God’s word.

The point here is this: DO NOT take every word literally or it from every fool before you! You know as well as I know that most so-called Christians have never read the Bible and will listen to anyone who stands in the pulpit with a robe and a collar turned backwards. This guy, as well as all others, are human and interpret the good book as they see fit to suit his or her agenda. Let’s begin to open our minds and make better choices as to the worldly people we “worship”.

There are too many crooks, fakes, and dare I say “pimps in the pulpit” and you know who they are: the Catholic priest, the Eddie Wrongs, the Dollar Man, the preachers of LA and others. It is time to put your faith in that what is unseen; instead of the men/women you do see. I don’t think Jesus is going to be happy about these misrepresentations of his teaching.

Lastly, it is interesting when I think about the little boy from Perfecting Church, who was denied a blessing – his name is reported to be Joshua. “You know Jesus’ name was really Joshua”. Joshua is Jesus’ namesake, and Jesus was born to a mother just like this mother. Therefore, for those who chastise the woman instead of the hypocrite. I say to that point, he or she who is without sin cast the first stone.

To be a Christian is simple; it is to live your life in the manner in which Christ lived! And that’s my thought provoking perspective…

WHAT SAY YOU?

Our Commander In Chief

I am grateful to have lived long enough to witness what most people, living or dead, thought to never believed possible, which is to see a Black Man elected President of these United States; not once but twice. Particularly, with America’s documented history concerning race that has been as horrible as any the world has ever known. Therefore, to know that a man of color is the most powerful man in the world and lives in the White House is as significant as the resurrection of Christ in my view. 

President Obama’s victory this week was as complete and devastating as Sherman’s march through the South. But there is no early sign that the zealots of the anti-government far right have learned anything at all or desire to change their hatred rooted in the color of his skin. So we can expect more terrorism to lie ahead.

Most have forgotten the horrors of the last administration and the misdeeds of prior office holders and some will continue to buy into the ploys of the right. This is to include the Cain types and the good Doctor! I for one am proud of the work Mr. Obama has done and continue to do. Let me also say for the vial hatred constantly directed at him, if there were any dirt or skeletons in his closet – it would surely have been revealed and used against him by now.

Let me just recap some of his most recent successes and accomplishments while being CIC:

• Passed Health Care Reform: After five presidents over a century failed to create universal health insurance, signed the Affordable Care Act (2010).

• Passed the Stimulus: Signed $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009 to spur economic growth amid greatest recession since the Great Depression.

• Passed Wall Street Reform: Signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (2010) to re-regulate the financial sector after its practices caused the Great Recession.

• Ended the War in Iraq: Ordered all U.S. military forces out of the country. Last troops left on December 18, 2011.

• Began Drawdown of War in Afghanistan: From a peak of 101,000 troops in June 2011, U.S. forces are now down to 91,000, with 23,000 slated to leave by the end of summer 2012.

• Eliminated Osama bin laden: In 2011, ordered Special Forces raid of secret compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan and eliminated hundreds of terrorist the world over.

• Turned around the ailing Auto Industry in 2009 to save one of the last major manufacturing industries through massive restructuring.

• Repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Ended 1990s-era restriction and formalized new policy allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military for the first time.

• Toppled Moammar Gaddafi in March 2011 ending Gaddafi’s forty-two-year. No American lives were lost.

• Provided Payment to Wronged Minority Farmers when he signed the Claims Resolution Act, which provided $4.6 billion in funding for a legal settlement with black and Native American farmers.

• Won the Nobel Peace Prize.

I've only selected a few of his significant accomplishments other than being an excellent family man, inspiration to the world, and roll model to billions of minorities, and African Americans in particular. When I look back at history, I cannot find another president who inherited as much mess and still was able to produce positive results. He has outsmarted his opponents at every turn and fought for the America people unlike no other.

Yes, Mr. President you are doing an amazing job. In fact, considering opposition before you; I’ll just call you Superman. I believe he can fly! God Bless you Sir and your beautiful family. And that’s my thought provoking perspective...  

To see more accomplishments

The History Of Black Codes

There have been many ways to suppress people over time; unfortunately, African Americans have endured the brunt of these efforts. Of course, as you know, the history of America reports that not only were African Americans subjected or affected by these efforts, but for sure it was always the least of thee. As I witness the repeat of these codes today via Congress and the Supreme Court it gives glaring evidence that history is destined to repeat itself. 

therefore, I can report is that it was and is still a minority and usually African Americans that were and are most affected by these laws to ensure they would remain a permanent underclass, whereas others moved out of their station  with the exception of the native American nations. This ideology began as indentured servants, then slavery, segregation, and now could it be conservatism. In each of these classifications they called these laws Black Codes, which I suppose make the immoral sanctions sound kinder.

Black Codes were laws passed designed specifically to take away civil rights and civil liberties of African American on the state and local level. This is the reason Conservatives desire a return to “States Rights” and speak of taking back our country because at the state level they can be unimpeded in turning back the hands of time. Although, most of the discriminatory legislation, in terms of Black Codes, were used more often by Southern states to control the labor, movements and activities of newly freed slaves at the end of the Civil War. But as Malcolm X once said, “Anywhere south of Canada was south” meaning wherever you were in America you were subjected to discrimination in terms of the “separate but equal” laws of the land.

The Black Codes of the 1860’s are not the same as the Jim Crow laws. The Black Codes were in reaction to the abolition of slavery and the South's defeat in the Civil War. Southern legislatures enacted them during Reconstruction. The Jim Crow era began later, nearer to the end of the 19th century after Reconstruction, with its unwritten laws. Then there were sundown laws, which meant Blacks could not live or be caught in certain towns after dark. In some cases, signs were placed at the town's borders with statements similar to the one posted in Hawthorne California that read “Nigger, Don't Let The Sun Set On YOU In Hawthorne" in the 1930’s. In some cases, exclusions were official town policy, restrictive covenants, or the policy was enforced through intimidation.

After the abolition of slavery by the Thirteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which prior to that African Americans were considered 3/5’s human. Therefore, all former slave states adopted Black Codes. During 1865 every Southern state passed Black Codes that restricted the Freemen, who were emancipated but not yet full citizens. While they pursued re-admission to the Union, the Southern states provided freedmen with limited second-class civil rights and no voting rights. Southern plantation owners feared that they would lose their land. Having convinced themselves that slavery was justified, planters feared African Americans wouldn't work without coercion. The Black Codes were an attempt to control them and to ensure they did not claim social equality.

The Black Codes outraged public opinion in the North because it seemed the South was creating a form of quasi-slavery to evade the results of the war. After winning large majorities in the 1866 elections, the Republicans put the South under military rule. They held new elections in which the Freedmen could vote. Suffrage was also expanded to poor whites. The new governments repealed all the Black Codes; they were never reenacted - OFFICIALLY.

Many of these things are unknown to the generations of today because these injustices have been erased from our history and very little of it is taught in today’s classroom. For example, a sundown town was a town that was all white on purpose. The term was widely used in the United States and Canada in areas from Ohio to Oregon and well into the South. Even in Canada many towns in Southern Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, were sundown towns prior to 1982, when it was outlawed. The term came from signs that were allegedly posted stating that people of color had to leave the town by sundown. They were also sometimes known as “sunset towns” or “gray towns”. Let me ask if you have ever been to a million dollar community – sound familiar.

The black codes that were enacted immediately after the Civil War, though varying from state to state, were all intended to secure a steady supply of cheap labor and all continued to assume the inferiority of the freed slaves. The black codes had their roots in the slave codes that had formerly been in effect. The premise behind chattel slavery in America was that slaves were property, and, as such, they had few or no legal rights. The slave codes, in their many loosely defined forms, were seen as effective tools against slave unrest, particularly as a hedge against uprisings and runaways. Enforcement of slave codes also varied, but corporal punishment was widely and harshly employed.

Let me highlight this example: In Texas, the Eleventh Legislature produced these codes in 1866. The intent of the legislation was to reaffirm the inferior position that slaves and free blacks had held in antebellum Texas and to regulate black labor. The codes reflected the unwillingness of white Texans to accept blacks as equals. You do remember “Juneteenth”? In addition, the Texans also feared that freedmen would not work unless coerced. Thus the codes continued legal discrimination between whites and blacks. The legislature, when it amended the 1856 penal code, emphasized the continuing line between whites and blacks by defining all individuals with one-eighth or more African blood as persons of color, subject to special provisions in the law.

Minorities were systematically excluded from living in or sometimes even passing through these communities after the sun went down. This allowed maids and workmen to provide unskilled labor during the day. Sociologists have described this as the nadir of American race relations. Sundown towns existed throughout the nation, but most often were located in the northern states that were not pre-Civil War slave states. There have not been any de jure sundown towns in the country since legislation in the 1960’s was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, although de facto sundown towns and counties, where no black family lives - still exist.

Therefore, we see hints of it in the racism that has raised its ugly head and risen to the surface of societies consciousness, particularly in this political climate of today. Since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and especially since the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibited racial discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing, the number of sundown towns has decreased.

However, as sociologist suggest it is impossible to precisely count the number of sundown towns at any given time, because most towns have not kept records of the ordinances or signs that marked the town's sundown status. It is important to note that sundown status meant more than just African Americans not being able to live in these towns. Essentially any African Americans or other groups who came into sundown towns after sundown were subject to harassment, threats, and violent acts; up to and including lynching.

As one historian has noted, "Racial segregation was hardly a new phenomenon because slavery had fixed the status of most blacks, no need was felt for statutory measures segregating the races. These restrictive Black Codes have morphed in one form or another to achieve its desired effect to maintain a superior status by the powers that be. I am only suggesting that we know and understand history for it will open the mind to what the future may present. Frankly, if you don’t know where you came from you will never get to where you are going.

The legal definition of Black Codes: A body of laws, statutes, and rules enacted by southern states immediately after the Civil War to regain control over the freed slaves, maintain white supremacy, and ensure the continued supply of cheap labor. Know the the past because it is indeed the present. The same ilk is reborn to devalue humans and today of all colors. And that's my thought provoking perspective...

Bat Shit Crazy

While the GOP crazies cite their inability or desire to halt the government shutdown coupled with impending default of the nation; all of which is by their design. It is being reported that my favorite crazy Congresswoman Michele Bachmann introduced today a resolution to impeach President Obama this morning claiming his inability to halt the federal government shutdown she says this makes the president unfit for office and referring the matter to the House Judiciary Committee. Senior aides close to judiciary chairman Bob Goodlatte say hearings will begin Thursday.

With all the drama these nuts have created they want to do something like this. Even the most dangerous nut of the all and probably the main culprit in all of this Crazy Cruz admits, "We probably won't be successful." CC is one of the few Republicans in the Senate supporting the impeachment process also says, "But we have to try. This guy is worse than Hitler. We have to do something." WORST THAN HITLER! I would argue that this is like the pot calling the kittle black.

The terrorist acts of treason, which is no different than secession designed to destroy the nation. They talk about the “American People” but most Americans find their actions reckless and irresponsible that I liken to the actions of their forefathers one-hundred fifty years ago. You know that little thing called the Civil War motivated by slavery. Is this the same thing when this time it’s also about color; the black man who occupies the white house?

The Congresswoman went on to say:

"I think it's high time President Obama be held accountable for his crimes," explains Bachmann. "For two weeks now, vital government services have been disrupted, federal workers have gone without pay and national memorials have been closed, all because of the president's refusal to negotiate over Obamacare.

"This isn't just poor leadership. The Obama administration is corrupt to the core. The scandals surrounding the IRS, Benghazi, the Fast and the Furious (sic) and Solyndra have shown us this cabal will do anything to stay in power.

"But in shutting down the government President Obama has committed economic treason against the United States of America, and he must be removed before it's too late. The Constitution provides us the mechanism of impeachment. It's time to end this dictatorial regime and return the presidency back to the American people."

Bat Shit Crazy is an insult to bats! And that’s my thought provoking perspective…

False Witness

The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius does not know that he is stupid. I have repeatedly said that the conservative operatives seem to always find some Negro willing to sell their soul or one that is just plain stupid.

The latest Herman Cain type is retired pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson who recently said President Obama's signature domestic policy achievement Obamacare is "the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery." I am really disappointed to hear that a doctor would compare something that helps people to slavery, which was the worst thing in the history of mankind.

Carson, who retired in May from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, said at the conservative Values Voter Summit in Washington that "It is slavery, in a way, because it is making all of us subservient to the government… It was never about healthcare. It was about control.” He went on to say, "That's why, when this administration took office, it didn't matter that the country was going off the cliff economically, all forces were directed toward getting this legislation passed," naturally the event's 2,000 attendees loved this – sorta like red meat!

He went on to say, "Why did they want to pass it so badly? …socialized medicine is the keystone to the establishment of a Socialist state. That's the problem." I would ask if this supposedly smart man can recall who run the country of the cliff for eight years prior to President Obama. The things the prior president did were far worse than anything done since 2008.

I was taught the character of a man is the company he keeps. Brother Carson has been keeping company with the devil: the GOP and organizations like the Heritage Foundation, the American Family Association, American Values, Liberty Counsel Action, and the same crowd that supports the Tea Party.

He has aligned himself with the like Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Marco Rubio of Florida, and Tim Scott of South Carolina. Others included House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. To include former Arkansas Gov. and GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and Heritage Foundation President Jim DeMint are also scheduled to speak at the summit.

Carson, who has been mentioned as a possible Republican presidential candidate in 2016, continued his attacks on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as well as other policies of the president that began with his comments in February at the National Prayer Breakfast as Obama sat on the dais, which was a so disrespectful.

"Government plays a very important role when, in fact, it believes in the Constitution… When they begin to neglect the Constitution, when they begin to impose their own will." “That's the problem,” he said. My guess is that he has not read the constitution! Yes, the same constitution that labels people of color as three fifths a man. Not since it was written has that language been changed to identify said people of color as full citizens and he dares to suggest publicly the this crowd of his gives one damn about him or us.

Just because you are smart and gifted does not me you are intelligent! Therefore, I say sir – “you bare false witness”. And that’s my thought provoking perspective…

Meet The Wizards

I like to think I am a fairly well read man and have read newspaper articles about the Master’s of the conservative party and the so-called patriots but not until I saw this video. In the wake of the ongoing government shutdown I would like to introduce you, via this video, to David and Charles Koch. I strongly suggest that everyone see this video to be educated as to who the Koch Brothers are and how they impact your life.

There are crimes and then there are criminals to which I am of the opinion that both must co-exist in order not just become wealthy but to remain wealthy. Thanks to the Supreme Court giving them license to buy America. Please view this documentary about, like the Wizard of Oz, the men behind the curtain. And that’s my thought provoking perspective…

The Forty-One Cent Secret

The legacy of America is a heritage that is controlled by economics, no matter what, nothing trumps cash, and cash only. We hold it in our hands but most people probably have no idea there is a message concealed within what I call “The 41 Cent Secret”. The lure of money is so powerful that you will sell your soul for it. Most people think racism is about the color of your hue but it’s not.

It is about color true, but the color is green. Therefore, the phrase on money, “In God we trust,” is really a catchphrase suggesting that economic superiority is the cornerstone of this legacy. As we know slavery and the economic profits derived from it built a capitalistic society and this message speaks to the heart of it.

I’m sure you know that a secret is designed to elude observation because it contains information that, if disclosed, could endanger. Therefore, secrets are never to be told or shared. So this is just between you and I. I would like for you to take a quarter, nickel, dime, and a penny placing them in a row in that order from left to right. Look at the coins very carefully. What do you see other than the obvious - forty-one cents. Notice the faces on the coins. You will see four presidents - but there is more.

“Let me explain.” There is Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Washington was the father of the country who instituted, by law, slavery as an American institution and owned many slaves. Jefferson, well we all know his storied history relating to slaves. Then there was Roosevelt who had the same philosophy but live in the era of segregation.

Now notice that Washington, Jefferson, and Roosevelt have turned their backs on Lincoln arguably the most significant of all presidents. Lincoln is on the lowest denomination of all money and it is made of copper, the cheapest metal. Now, notice that the penny looks like you in color (if you are African American). This was done to scorn Lincoln for all eternity because he freed the slaves. Anytime someone comes along who changes the system, status quo, they will be scorned or destroyed. You have heard of assassination.

You have carried change in my pockets all of your life but did you know there was a subliminal message. It is important to understand that “The system is designed to protect the system.” Now, let me put this into perspective. It takes an act of congress to get a face approved to be put on a postage stamp. This was no accident.

If you can see this and understand it, know that there are other forms of deception perpetrated by the majority people who control the system. In particular, systematic slavery, that continues, and designed to make sure people of a certain races remain a permanent underclass.

This is what is meant when they referred to the system protecting the system. It is all about wealth, which drives the system. And that is my thought provoking perspective...

Somethings Never Change

Arnold Glasgow once said, “The future is the past returning through another gate.” In other words, history repeats itself and just as Solomon said, “there is nothing new under the sun”. This is particularly evident today in our political environment because, I would argue, America is more divisive than at any time in the country’s history. In fact, the so-called conservatives are actually telling us when the say “We want our country back”.

Just look at the destructive business of justice for example; we see the racially biased war on drugs, stop and frisk, the prison industrial complex that is now a profit entity, and the most destructive law of all - stand your ground. This means people the other hue can “kill you”, if they feel threatened. There is no question, and statistics bear it out, that these policies and laws disproportionately affect African Americans and minorities. It is not much different than the Black Codes or Slave Laws of the past.

Let’s go one step further. The state of race relations is at its worst in a hundred and fifty-years. The American president and in fact all minorities are much maligned and chastised by a newly formed group called the Tea Party, which is nothing more than the new face of the “Klan”. Billionaires have bought and paid for the GOP electing politicians who do their bidding with no regard for American or its people.

Overtime this culture of hatred has appeared in a number of different forms, i.e., slavery, separate but equal, segregation, and Jim Crow. However, what we see today is a new name with the same face of racism. It is easy to see because often times they will quickly say they are not racist or that they have black friends. So beware of the pat on the back as they smile in your face.

There may be some who will disagree but the foundation of this democracy is built on the backs on group or another. Even before African’s were stolen and brought to this country the nation’s forefathers had already begun to annihilate the people who were already on America’s soil, although the complete process was not complete for several hundred years – they were destroyed.

The mindset of these people in the GOP, the so–called Conservatives, and the Tea Party have turned even more dangerous because they have now begun to eat their own, which is a clear indication that the least of thee have no chance. From Nixon to their hero Reagan, to Bush, Bush II, and beyond; the goal has been the same, to protect the rich and destroy all others. Therefore, it appears that it is not black and white anymore; rather it’s rich or poor.

So may question to white America; how does it feel to be a N-word, because we are all N-words now! And that’s my thought provoking perspective…

A Created People

I know this may be hard for some but try if you will! What if the African had not been taken from their native land and implanted into a place where they were transformed into an entirely new breed of people? These people were turned into slaves and called “Negro” to breed as a beast of burden! In other words, if you go beyond the history of America you will not find a people anywhere in history called Negro. Therefore, this created people are like no other - “a nation of people living in a nation without a nationality”.

These African’s were renamed Negro to erase their past in order create a being unlike any the world has known. Overtime, if one would view it from a mental state they might conclude, like a tree with no roots and we know that tree is dead. To make such a creature some basic principle were used in the same manor used to break a horse, combined with some more sustaining factors to reduce them from their natural state in nature. The concept was to break that natural string of independence from birth and thereby create a dependency for useful production for business and deviant pleasure.

These principles, the same used to break a horse, included: 1) Negro’s are no good to the economy in the wild or natural state. 2) Both must be broken and tied together for orderly production. 3) For orderly futures, special and particular attention must be paid to the female and the youngest offspring. 4) Both must be crossbred to produce a variety and division of labor. 5) Both must be taught to respond to a peculiar new language. 6) Psychological and physical instruction of containment must be created for both and accepted as normal.

The most prominent role of the process is rarely mentioned in history, which is the slave maker. The plan was to first break the woman by making her think her man is worthless and removing him. By her being mentally detached and the black male image destroyed, the ordeal causes her to move from her psychological dependent state to a frozen independent state. In this frozen psychological state of independence she will raise her male and female offspring in reversed roles. For fear of the young male's life she will psychologically train him to be mentally weak and dependent or as we see today - feminized.

This was done to ensure that the sub-human create was dumb, which is done by killing the protective male image and by creating a submissive dependent mind of the black male. Hence, creating an orbiting cycle that turns on its own axis forever, unless a phenomenon occurs and re-shifts the positions of the male and female creature.

Continually, through the breaking of so-called uncivilized soul by throwing the female into a frozen psychological state of independency causes devastation and any hope of future redress. For example, breed two black males with two black females. Then take the males away from them and keeping them moving in a state of flux or prison. The female being without influence of the male image, frozen with an independent psychology, will raise the children to be mentally dependent; in other words, body over mind. Thereby, the process will continue the cycle.

The sustaining factors in this equation were removing the original language, culture, and cross-breeding completed for further severance from their original beginning. Furthering the complete annihilate of “mother tongue” instituting new language for the creature that has been created. This is the long range comprehensive planning.

Why, because if you take the slave and you teach him all about your language, he will learn all your secrets, and he is then no more a slave, for you can't fool him any longer and being fooled is the basic ingredients for the making of the slavery. Let’s not forget they used ships to bring African’s here to be made slaves and today they use the African American, i.e., Negro to keep us mentally enslaved! And that’s my thought provoking perspective…